Soufiane El Bakkali Dominates 3000m Steeplechase Field on Home Soil to Clinch Rabat Diamond League Title

Soufiane El Bakkali Dominates 3000m Steeplechase Field on Home Soil to Clinch Rabat Diamond League Title

Mark Kinyanjui 22:55 - 25.05.2025

Buoyed by a strong home support, Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali maintained his dominance in the 3000m steeplechase at the Rabat Diamond League classic to set a new world lead.

Moroccan steeplechase star Soufiane El Bakkali made sure the home crowd that bought tickets to come watch the Rabat Diamond League classic went home knowing their investment was value for money, as he managed to see off competition from Germany’s Frederik Ruppert and win in commanding fashion. 

Although he sailed to an easy win, it was not easy, as Ruppert chased him down to the finish line, forcing him to set a new  8:00.70 world lead.

Having already lost to  Ethiopian Samuel Firewu at the Xiamen Diamond League earlier, Bakkali had his work cut out to make sure he was back on track.

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With the pacing lights set close to 8 minutes, El Bakkali bodied his way to the front and tucked behind the pacers.

Determined to make a statement in front of his home fans, the Moroccan wasted no time asserting himself early, tucking in behind the pacemakers as the pacing lights hovered near the magical eight-minute barrier.

Hailemariyam Amare tried to keep up but faded after six minutes, leaving Ruppert to take over the chase. 

The German, clearly in the shape of his life, clocked a stunning 8:01.49—shattering his personal best by 14 seconds and setting a new German national record.

Despite the late pressure, El Bakkali never lost control. He held off Ruppert with poise and power to secure not only the win but also the fastest time in the world this year.

 Kenya’s Edmund Serem came through for third place, while Firewu faded to fourth in 8:09.98.

El Bakkali’s Rabat masterclass was a crucial return to form as he looks to defend his Olympic crown in Paris later this summer. 

On the evidence of Sunday night, he’s back in business.

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